Sanders backs Biden as ex-rivals join forces to beat Trump

(AP) — Bernie Sanders has endorsed Joe Biden for president.

The two former rivals made a joint online appearance on Monday, with Sanders asking all Americans to come together to support Biden’s candidacy.

The backing is crucial for Biden, who must bridge the Democratic Party’s ideological divide to unify voters against President Donald Trump in the fall.

Biden and Sanders clashed throughout the primary over policy issues such as “Medicare for All.”

Sanders offered his endorsement to Biden much earlier than he endorsed Hillary Clinton in 2016, when he waited until the summer, very late in the race.